Antimony, a versatile metal crucial for various industries like batteries, solar panels, flame retardants, and ammunition, plays a pivotal role in modern technology. The principal ore of antimony, Stibnite, is mainly utilized in these sectors. However, the United States heavily relies on imports, primarily from China, to meet its antimony needs. As of 2023, countries with the largest reserves of antimony globally are a key factor in the supply chain dynamics.
Antimony’s demand has been steadily increasing due to its essential role in various industrial applications and China’s dominance in production. This silver-white metal is particularly vital in solar panels, enhancing their efficiency by aiding in light absorption and energy conversion. Additionally, antimony improves thermal stability, crucial for panels to withstand extreme conditions. In the energy storage sector, liquid-metal batteries utilize antimony to store and distribute excess solar power efficiently. With the growing prominence of solar installations, antimony’s significance in the energy transition is set to expand further.
The U.S. Department of Defense relies on antimony for over 200 types of ammunition, including percussion primers and armor-piercing rounds. Antimony alloys enhance the durability of lead-acid batteries in military vehicles, while its flame-retardant properties bolster the fire resistance of military gear. Moreover, antimony is integral in semiconductors for infrared sensors and night-vision devices crucial for defense technology. Despite the high demand from various industries, a global supply crisis looms over this critical metal.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the total global antimony mine production in 2023 was approximately 83,000 tons, with China accounting for 48% of the global supply by producing around 40,000 tons. However, China’s output has witnessed a significant decline, mainly due to mine closures and stricter environmental regulations. The reduction in output from major antimony-producing provinces like Hunan has contributed significantly to the current global supply shortage. China has also tightened its grip on antimony exports to secure its position in global supply chains.
The United States possesses antimony deposits in states like Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, and Alaska. However, domestic production has slowed due to environmental and economic challenges. Efforts to restart the Stibnite Gold Mine, once the largest antimony producer in Idaho, have been hampered by environmental concerns, particularly risks of river pollution. By 2020, the U.S. had completely halted mining antimony and relied mainly on recycling, with imported material meeting a significant portion of the demand. Recent reports indicate acquisitions like Military Metals’ purchase of the Last Chance property highlight the urgent need to secure antimony for defense purposes.
Russia, another key antimony producer, faces uncertainties in production due to Western sanctions after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Despite holding significant global antimony reserves, actual production levels remain low. Political instability in Myanmar, the fourth-largest antimony producer in 2023, has also disrupted supply chains. The global antimony production landscape has witnessed significant shifts, impacting supply and pricing dynamics.
Research and Markets projects a substantial growth in global antimony demand from $2.5 billion in 2024 to $3.5 billion by 2030, with the U.S. antimony market expected to reach USD 106.57 million by 2032. North America and Europe collectively account for over 40% of global antimony demand, with specific sectors like automotive and plastics driving growth. Australia’s emergence as a key player in the antimony market, alongside partnerships with resource-rich countries, aims to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies.
Australia’s active exploration sector, with a significant number of drilling activities yielding promising results, reflects the potential for increased antimony production outside traditional sources like China. The global antimony market is evolving, with countries diversifying their supply chains to mitigate risks associated with concentrated production centers. The future of antimony supply hinges on collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to ensure a stable and sustainable global supply chain.
